UCLan to host Lancashire’s first Breeze Challenge

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is set to welcome thousands of female cycling enthusiasts as it hosts the region’s first ever Breeze Challenge Event.

The event, on Sunday 12 October, will bring a festival atmosphere to the City as thousands of women seeking a fun and supported challenge take on two distances of either 50km or 100km around the Lancashire countryside; both of which will begin at UCLan Sports Arena.

The Lancashire Breeze Challenge Event, hosted by UCLan and in partnership with Preston City Council and British Cycling, will allow riders to stretch their legs along the Fylde Coast and Wyre Valley.

“UCLan Sports Arena will act as an events village for this fantastic occasion and we are expecting a great atmosphere with lots of support for the riders."

Both routes will head out towards Great Eccleston at which the 100km will continue deeper into the Lancashire countryside towards Pilling, Cockerham and Abbeystead before returning south via Scorton. The shorter 50km ride will head towards Bilsborrow before re-joining the 100km riders at Inglewhite to head home to the finish via Broughton and Woodplumpton for some relaxation and celebrations.

Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Academic Director of Sport at UCLan, commented: “UCLan Sports Arena will act as an events village for this fantastic occasion and we are expecting a great atmosphere with lots of support for the riders. Whilst the cyclists are out on the course the events village will have lots of cycling and non-cycling themed activities to keep people entertained."

“UCLan has a long history of bringing the community together for sporting events, including the Rugby League World Cup 2013 and the London 2012 Olympic Games, and we are proud to play our part in Lancashire’s first ever Breeze Challenge Event.”

Adrian added: “UCLan has a long history of bringing the community together for sporting events, including the Rugby League World Cup 2013 and the London 2012 Olympic Games, and we are proud to play our part in Lancashire’s first ever Breeze Challenge Event.”

Routes will be fully signed and supported by marshals, support vehicles, cycle mechanics and medical support. Riders will be supported on route with feed stations, spectator hot spots and many other surprises along the way, including goodie bags for everyone who finishes.

Registration is now open and numbers are limited so people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. The rides are competitively priced, starting at £20 and there’s discounted entry for British Cycling members. Visit www.breezebikerides.com for information and to book a place.

UCLan Sports Arena is based in Cottam and provides facilities for athletics, rugby league, rugby union, football, hockey, netball, tennis and cycling. The arena also has seven floodlit training grids, an 18 station fitness suite and a strength and conditioning room with Olympic weight lifting equipment.